Dishwashing machine

ABSTRACT

A dish washing machine includes the following elements: a main body; a washing tank; a tableware basket for holding target objects to be washed; a washing device for spraying washing water onto the target objects; an atomizer for atomizing the washing water; a door; a detergent automatic insertion device; and a controller for performing at least a pre-washing step, an atomizing step, and a washing step. After the pre-washing step, the controller causes the detergent automatic insertion device to supply detergent to the atomizer, and controls and performs the atomizing step and the washing step. Thus, after the pre-washing step, the step of atomizing a detergent solution can be performed. This enables the dish washing machine to reduce the amount of detergent to be used and to exert high washing performance through the step of atomizing the detergent solution at the same time.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dish washing machine for housing andwashing target objects to be washed, such as tableware.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, as this type of dish washing machine, a dish washingmachine for spraying washing water from a washing nozzle towardtableware, for example, to wash the tableware is proposed (see PatentLiterature 1, for example).

Hereinafter, a configuration of a dish washing machine described inPatent Literature 1 is explained with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is alongitudinal sectional view of a conventional dish washing machine.

As shown in FIG. 7, the conventional dish washing machine includes thefollowing elements: main body 1; door 12 for opening and closing thefront face of main body 1; and washing tank 2, tableware basket 3,atomizer 4, and detergent insertion part 5 provided in main body 1. Door12 is composed of upper door 12 a and lower door 12 b divided into theupper and lower parts, and opens and closes the front face of main body1. Tableware basket 3 moves forward and backward from main body 1through door 12, and receives and holds tableware 7, i.e. target objectsto be washed. Specifically, tableware basket 3 is configured to bewithdrawn forward of main body 1 in the state where door 12 is opened.Atomizer 4 atomizes the washing water reserved in the bottom portion ofwashing tank 2. Detergent insertion part 5 is placed on atomizer 4 andused to supply detergent into atomizer 4. At this time, detergentinsertion part 5 is disposed in a position lower than tableware basket 3so as not to hinder the movement of tableware basket 3 when tablewarebasket 3 is withdrawn forward. Further, tableware basket 3 is disposedin a position not overlapping detergent insertion part 5 so as not tohinder supply of the detergent.

Hereinafter, the operation and action of the conventional dish washingmachine is described.

First, when using the dish washing machine, the user supplies detergentfrom detergent insertion part 5. The supplied detergent is guided fromdetergent insertion part 5 to atomizer 4, and accumulates on theperiphery of atomizer 4.

Next, when the user starts the operation of the dish washing machine, apredetermined amount of tap water covering atomizer 4 is supplied towashing tank 2, as washing water. At this time, the detergentaccumulated on the periphery of atomizer 4 dissolves in the washingwater supplied and becomes a detergent solution. The detergent solutionis atomized by atomizer 4 at the start of an atomizing step.

Next, the atomizing step moves on to a washing step, in which tableware7, for example, is washed.

Typically, when target objects to be washed with much dirt are washedwith a dish washing machine without an atomizer, a large amount ofdetergent needs to be supplied. Then, in order to reduce the amount ofdetergent to be used, a pre-washing step in which the dirt on the targetobjects to be washed is removed to a degree is added before the step ofwashing the target objects to be washed with a detergent solution.

However, in the configuration of the conventional dish washing machine,when the user supplies detergent into detergent insertion part 5, thedetergent accumulates directly in atomizer 4. When the operation of thedish washing machine is started at this time, the detergent dissolves inthe washing water supplied first after the operation and becomes adetergent solution. Thus, the pre-washing step in which tableware iswashed only with washing water cannot be provided. As a result, washingthe target objects to be washed with much dirt requires more detergent.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   PTL1: Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2005-224486

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a dish washing machine that includes anatomizer capable of performing a pre-washing step, as a step prior to anatomizing step, when target objects to be washed with much dirt arewashed.

A dish washing machine of the present invention includes the followingelements: a main body; a washing tank; a tableware basket for holdingtarget objects to be washed; a washing device for spraying washing wateronto the target objects to be washed; an atomizer, provided in thebottom portion of the washing tank, for atomizing the washing water; adoor for opening and closing the front face of the main body; adetergent automatic insertion device provided above the atomizer andinside the door; and a controller for performing at least a pre-washingstep, an atomizing step, and a washing step. The controller isconfigured to cause the detergent automatic insertion device to supplydetergent to the atomizer, after performing the pre-washing step.

With this configuration, particularly when target objects to be washedwith much dirt are washed, after the pre-washing step, the step ofatomizing a detergent solution using the atomizer can be performed. Thisallows removal of the dirt on the target objects to be washed to adegree before the atomizing step and the washing step. As a result, thisconfiguration enables a dish washing machine to reduce the amount ofdetergent to be used and to exert high washing performance through thestep of atomizing the detergent solution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washing machine in astate where a door thereof is opened in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dish washing machine in astate where the door is closed in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washing machine havinga detergent guiding path on a door thereof in a state where the door isopened in another example in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dish washing machinehaving the detergent guiding path on the door in a state where the dooris closed in another example described above in accordance with theexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washing machine havinga detergent guiding path on a tableware basket in a state where a doorthereof is opened in still another example in accordance with theexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dish washing machinehaving the detergent guiding path on the tableware basket in a statewhere the door is closed in still another example described above inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional dish washingmachine.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a description is provided for an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.Elements similar to those in the conventional example have the samereference marks and the descriptions of those elements are omitted. Theexemplary embodiment does not limit the present invention.

Exemplary Embodiment

Hereinafter, a description is provided for the configuration of a dishwashing machine in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washing machine in astate where a door thereof is opened in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dish washingmachine in a state where the door is closed in accordance with theexemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the dish washing machine of the exemplaryembodiment includes at least the following elements: main body 1; door12 for opening and closing the front face of main body 1; washing tank2, tableware basket 3, atomizer 4, a washing device, and controller 10provided inside main body 1; and detergent automatic insertion device15.

Door 12 is composed of upper door 12 a and lower door 12 b divided intothe upper part and the lower part on the front face side of main body 1,and opens and closes the font face of main body 1. Upper door 12 a opensso as to lift up, and lower door 12 b opens so as to fall forward withthe bottom end of the lower door as a fulcrum. Detergent automaticinsertion device 15 is provided on the inner surface of lower door 12 b.

Washing nozzle 6 is rotatably disposed in bottom portion 2 a insidewashing tank 2, and sprays washing water to tableware 7, for example,held in tableware basket 3. At this time, tableware basket 3 is disposedabove washing nozzle 6 and holds tableware 7 as the target objects to bewashed. Tableware basket 3 can be moved forward and backward via openeddoor 12 so as to move inside and outside of washing tank 2.Specifically, tableware basket 3 is capable of holding tableware 7 whenbeing withdrawn above opened lower door 12 b.

The washing device is configured by connecting at least water reservingpart 11, residue filter 11 a, washing nozzle 6, and washing pump 9.Water reserving part 11 is disposed in bottom portion 2 a of washingtank 2 and reserves washing water. Residue filter 11 a is disposed tocover the top part of water reserving part 11 and prevents the residuefrom flowing into water reserving part 11. Washing pump 9 is connected,via piping, in a position halfway between water reserving part 11 andwashing nozzle 6, and sends washing water or a detergent solution underpressure to washing nozzle 6.

Heater 8 is disposed in the vicinity of bottom portion 2 a of washingtank 2, and heats the washing water, the detergent solution, or the airin washing tank 2.

Atomizer 4 is disposed on the front side (the side of door 12) of bottomportion 2 a of washing tank 2. Atomizer 4 dissolves the detergent in asmall amount of washing water, generates a detergent solution with highconcentration, atomizes the detergent solution, and sprays the atomizeddetergent solution onto the target objects to be washed.

Controller 10 is disposed in a front outward lower position relative tobottom portion 2 a of washing tank 2, controls and performs a series ofoperations of the dish washing machine, such as a pre-washing step, anatomizing step, and a washing step.

The dish washing machine of the exemplary embodiment is thus configured.

Next, a description is provided for the operation and action of the dishwashing machine of the exemplary embodiment. The dish washing machine ofthe exemplary embodiment washes the target objects to be washed, such astableware 7, through a pre-washing step, an atomizing step, a washingstep, a rinsing step, and a drying step controlled by controller 10.Hereinafter, the pre-washing step, the atomizing step, and the washingstep are outlined.

First, before starting the operation of the dish washing machine, theuser withdraws tableware basket 3 from washing tank 2, and placestableware 7 with dirt in tableware basket 3. After the placement, theuser places tableware basket 3 into washing tank 2.

Next, the user supplies a predetermined amount of detergent to detergentautomatic insertion device 15 using a measuring spoon, for example,closes door 12, and starts the operation of the dish washing machine.

When the operation of the dish washing machine is started, first,controller 10 starts the pre-washing step. When the pre-washing step isstarted, controller 10 causes a predetermined amount of tap water, aswashing water, to be supplied to water reserving part 11 in washing tank2. The supplied washing water is sucked from water reserving part 11 bywashing pump 9, and sent under pressure to washing nozzle 6. The washingwater sent under pressure is sprayed from washing nozzle 6 forcibly.Thus, tableware 7, for example, placed in tableware basket 3 and housedin washing tank 2 is pre-washed with washing water. At this time, thewashing water used to wash tableware 7 in the pre-washing step flowsinto water reserving part 11 again, is sucked into washing pump 9, andcirculates. The pre-washing step is performed for a predetermined timeperiod.

Next, after the pre-washing step for the predetermined time period iscompleted, controller 10 causes the dirty washing water to be dischargedand the step to move on to the atomizing step so that the atomizing stepis performed.

When the atomizing step is started, controller 10 causes detergentautomatic insertion device 15 to supply the detergent to atomizer 4.

Then, controller 10 causes a predetermined amount of tap water coveringheater 8 and atomizer 4 to be supplied, as the washing water, to washingtank 2. At this time, the detergent supplied to the periphery ofatomizer 4 dissolves in a small amount of washing water on the peripheryof the detergent and becomes a detergent solution with highconcentration.

Thereafter, controller 10 causes atomizer 4 to atomize thehigh-concentration detergent solution so that washing tank 2 is filledwith the detergent solution.

Then, the state where the atomized detergent solution adheres totableware 7 is maintained for a predetermined time period. Thereafter,without the washing water containing the detergent (hereinafter beingreferred to as “washing water”) discharged, the step moves on to thewashing step so that the washing step is performed.

When the washing step is started, controller 10 causes heater 8 to heatthe washing water. Simultaneously with heating, controller 10 causeswashing pump 9 to suck the washing water from water reserving part 11and to send the washing water under pressure to washing nozzle 6. Thewashing water sent under pressure is sprayed forcibly onto tableware 7,for example, from washing nozzle 6. Thereby, tableware 7 placed intableware basket 3 and housed in washing tank 2 is washed with thewashing water. At this time, the washing water used to wash tableware 7,for example, in the washing step flows into water reserving part 11again, is sucked into washing pump 9, and circulates. The washing stepis performed for a predetermined time period.

Next, after tableware 7 is washed in the washing step for apredetermined time period, controller 10 causes the dirty washing waterto be discharged, the step to move on to the rinsing step so that therinsing step is performed in a manner similar to the conventionalmanner.

Thus, the operation of the pre-washing step, the atomizing step, and thewashing step of the dish washing machine of the exemplary embodiment isperformed.

That is, when the dish washing machine of the exemplary embodimentwashes tableware 7 with much dirt, the dish washing machine firstperforms the pre-washing step. The pre-washing step may be performed inthe state where the detergent is supplied or not supplied. In this case,to reduce the amount of detergent, it is preferable to perform thepre-washing step in the state where the detergent is not supplied.

Thereafter, atomizer 4 performs the step of atomizing the washing watermade of the high-concentration detergent solution. This allows removalof dirt on the target objects to be washed to a degree in thepre-washing step before the atomizing step and the washing step. As aresult, while the amount of detergent to be used is reduced, highwashing performance can be exerted through the step of atomizing thehigh-concentration detergent solution.

Hereinafter, a description is provided for the configuration of guidingdetergent from detergent automatic insertion device 15 to atomizer 4 ina dish washing machine in another example in the exemplary embodimentwith reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washing machine havinga detergent guiding path on a door thereof in a state where the door isopened in another example described above in accordance with theexemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of thedish washing machine having the detergent guiding path on the door in astate where the door is closed in another example described above inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment.

That is, the above exemplary embodiment is configured so that thedetergent is guided to atomizer 4 by free fall of the detergent.However, this example differs from the above exemplary embodiment inthat, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the detergent supplied fromdetergent automatic insertion device 15 is guided to atomizer 4 throughdetergent guiding path 13 provided on lower door 12 b of door 12.

That is, in the configuration of another example described above in theexemplary embodiment, detergent automatic insertion device 15 anddetergent guiding path 13 are successively disposed, for example, insidelower door 12 b constituting door 12. At this time, it is preferable toprovide, at top end 13 a of detergent guiding path 13, an opening (notshown) in a shape that covers at least the opening of detergentautomatic insertion device 15 for discharging detergent. Further, it ispreferable that the opening (not shown) at bottom end 13 b of detergentguiding path 13 has a shape substantially as large as top face 4 a ofatomizer 4 and larger than the opening at top end 13 a. It is preferablethat the inner peripheral surface of detergent guiding path 13 isconfigured to have a surface to which detergent hardly adheres, or has aconfiguration of preventing adhesion of detergent by anti-adhesiontreatment, such as water-repellent treatment.

Hereinafter, the operation and action of the dish washing machineconfigured as above are outlined.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, by starting the operation in the state wheredoor 12 is closed, a pre-washing step similarly to the above descriptionis performed.

Next, after the pre-washing step has been completed, an atomizing stepis started. At this time, the detergent supplied from detergentautomatic insertion device 15 is supplied to atomizer 4 throughdetergent guiding path 13. This can ensure the supply of a predeterminedamount of detergent to atomizer 4. Thus, atomizer 4 can generate a mistof a detergent solution with stable detergent concentration. As aresult, this configuration enables a dish washing machine to exertstable washing performance.

Hereinafter, a description is provided for the configuration of guidingdetergent from detergent automatic insertion device 15 to atomizer 4 ina dish washing machine in still another example in the exemplaryembodiment with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washing machine havinga detergent guiding path on a tableware basket in a state where a doorthereof is opened in still another example described above in accordancewith the exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional viewof the dish washing machine having the detergent guiding path on thetableware basket in a state where the door is closed in still anotherexample described above in the exemplary embodiment.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the configuration of thisexample differs from those of the other example or the exemplaryembodiment in that detergent supplied from detergent automatic insertiondevice 15 is guided to atomizer 4 through detergent guiding path 23provided on tableware basket 3.

That is, in the configuration of still another example described abovein the exemplary embodiment, detergent guiding path 23 is disposed atthe front outside of tableware basket 3 in a position that is below thedetergent discharging opening in detergent automatic insertion device 15provided inside lower door 12 b and faces the detergent dischargingopening.

Hereinafter, the operation and action of the dish washing machineconfigured as above are outlined.

First, as shown in FIG. 6, by starting the operation in the state wheredoor 12 is closed, a pre-washing step similarly to the above descriptionis performed.

Next, after the pre-washing step has been completed, an atomizing stepis started. At this time, the detergent supplied from detergentautomatic insertion device 15 is supplied to atomizer 4 throughdetergent guiding path 23 placed on tableware basket 3. This can ensurethe supply of a predetermined amount of detergent to atomizer 4. Thus,atomizer 4 can generate a mist of a detergent solution with stabledetergent concentration. As a result, this configuration enables a dishwashing machine to exert stable washing performance.

In the configuration of still another example described above in theexemplary embodiment, along with tableware basket 3, detergent guidingpath 23 can be taken out of the unit. Thus, detergent guiding path 23likely to become dirty with detergent or residue is cleaned easily. Thiscan ensure the supply of detergent from detergent automatic insertiondevice 15 to atomizer 4.

Detergent guiding path 23 may be configured to be attachable to anddetachable from tableware basket 3. With this configuration, detergentguiding path 23 is cleaned more easily, and ensured supply of detergentto atomizer 4 can be maintained.

It is preferable to make the opening on the side of top end 23 a ofdetergent guiding path 23 larger than the opening on the side of bottomend 23 b. At this time, it is also preferable that the opening on theside of bottom end 23 b has an area substantially equal to or smallerthan that of top face 4 a of atomizer 4. This configuration can ensurethe guiding of detergent falling from detergent automatic insertiondevice 15 to detergent guiding path 23 and the supply of the fallingdetergent onto atomizer 4. Further, in a rinsing step, for example, thisconfiguration can ensure efficient removal of the detergent remaininginside detergent guiding path 23 with the washing water flowing from theopening on the side of top end 23 a. As a result, detergent guiding path23 can always be kept in a hygienic state and easy to guide thedetergent in one washing operation.

As described above, a dish washing machine includes the followingelements: a main body: a washing tank; a tableware basket for holdingtarget objects to be washed; a washing device for spraying washing wateronto the target objects to be washed; an atomizer, provided in thebottom portion of the washing tank, for atomizing the washing water; adoor for opening and closing the front face of the main body; adetergent automatic insertion device provided above the atomizer andinside the door; and a controller for performing at least a pre-washingstep, an atomizing step, and a washing step. The controller may beconfigured to cause the detergent automatic insertion device to supplydetergent to the atomizer, after performing the pre-washing step.

With this configuration, particularly when the target objects to bewashed with much dirt are washed, after the pre-washing step, the stepof atomizing a detergent solution using the atomizer can be performed.This can remove the dirt on the target objects to be washed to a degreebefore the atomizing step and the washing step. As a result, thisconfiguration allows a dish washing machine to reduce the amount ofdetergent to be used and to exert high washing performance through thestep of atomizing the detergent solution with high concentration.

The dish washing machine of the present invention may further include,on the door thereof, a detergent guiding path for guiding detergentsupplied from the detergent automatic insertion device to the atomizer.This configuration can further ensure guiding of the detergent to theatomizer.

The dish washing machine of the present invention may further include,on the tableware basket thereof, a detergent guiding path for guidingdetergent supplied from the detergent automatic insertion device to theatomizer. This configuration can further ensure guiding of the detergentto the atomizer.

The dish washing machine of the present invention is composed of anupper door openable upward and a lower door openable downward, and thedetergent automatic insertion device may be provided on the lower door.With this configuration, detergent is easily supplied to the detergentautomatic insertion device. Further, reducing the distance to theatomizer can ensure the supply of detergent to the atomizer.

In the dish washing machine of the present invention, the detergentguiding path may be provided detachably. This configuration allows thedetergent guiding path to be cleaned easily. As a result, the detergentguiding path is hygienic, and clogging of detergent, for example, can beprevented.

In the dish washing machine of the present invention, the detergentguiding path may be configured to be washable in a rinsing step. Thiscan securely prevent the detergent from remaining in the detergentguiding path in one washing operation.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the present invention, when target objects to be washed with muchdirt are washed, after a pre-washing step, a step of atomizing adetergent solution using an atomizer can be performed. Thus, the presentinvention is useful in the technical field of a dish washing machine,for example, in which reduction in the amount of detergent to be usedand high washing performance are required at the same time.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   1 Main body-   2 Washing tank-   2 a Bottom portion-   3 Tableware basket-   4 Atomizer-   4 a Top face-   5 Detergent insertion part-   6 Washing nozzle (washing device)-   7 Tableware (target objects to be washed)-   8 Heater-   9 Washing pump (washing device)-   10 Controller-   11 Water reserving part-   11 a Residue filter-   12 Door-   12 a Upper door-   12 b Lower door-   13, 23 Detergent guiding path-   13 a, 23 a Top end-   13 b, 23 b Bottom end-   15 Detergent automatic insertion device

1. A dish washing machine comprising: a main body; a washing tank; a tableware basket for holding a target object to be washed; a washing device for spraying washing water onto the target object to be washed; an atomizer, provided in a bottom portion of the washing tank, for atomizing the washing water; a door for opening and closing a front face of the main body; a detergent automatic insertion device provided above the atomizer and inside the door; and a controller for performing at least a pre-washing step, an atomizing step, and a washing step, wherein, after performing the pre-washing step, the controller causes the detergent automatic insertion device to supply detergent to the atomizer.
 2. The dish washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a detergent guiding path, provided on the door, for guiding the detergent supplied from the detergent automatic insertion device to the atomizer.
 3. The dish washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a detergent guiding path, provided on the tableware basket, for guiding the detergent supplied from the detergent automatic insertion device to the atomizer.
 4. The dish washing machine of claim 1, wherein the door includes an upper door openable upward and a lower door openable downward, and the detergent automatic insertion device is provided on the lower door.
 5. The dish washing machine of claim 2, wherein the detergent guiding path is provided detachably.
 6. The dish washing machine of claim 3, wherein the detergent guiding path is configured to be washable in a rinsing step.
 7. The dish washing machine of claim 3, wherein the detergent guiding path is provided detachably. 